Madagascar army takes over power after lawmakers impeach president

ALGIERS, Oct 14 (KUNA) -- A powerful Madagascar military unit has taken over power after lawmakers voted in favor to impeach President Andry Rajoelina, army Colonel Michael Randrianirina said on Tuesday.
Speaking on national radio, Randrianirina, the head of the elite CAPSAT military unit, said that "we have taken the power," subsequently suspending all constitutional institutions including the senate, constitutional court and electoral commission.
Rajoelina was flown out on a French military plane to a "safe place" on Sunday after growing protests by the global Gen Z movement over poverty and corruption, said Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko, the leader of the opposition in parliament.
The East African nation has been rocked by weeks of violent youth-led protests against Rajoelina's rule, triggered by grievances over frequent power outages and water cuts. (end) mr.nam